Weapon of the Dark Queen Against a darkened cloud it comes, framed by thunder and lightning, soaring over the ravaged land: the flying citadel, mightiest power in the arsenal of the dragon highlords. In an age of war, an evil wizard learned the secret of creating these castles in the air and sought to use them to gain power over all Krynn. Against him were ranged a red-robed magic-user, a cleric, an ancient warrior, and -- naturally -- a kender. Their battle shook the skies of Krynn.

The Citadel, the third volume in the Dragonlance Classics series by Richard A. Knaak, is set in the wake of the War of the Lance, when the lands of Krynn are still recovering from devastation. Amidst this fragile peace, a new threat arises—an ancient flying fortress, once a tool of the Dragonarmies, has been restored and is now under the command of a power-hungry renegade wizard.

The story follows the red-robed wizard Tyros and his companions: Serene, a devout cleric; Bakal, a hardened warrior haunted by past battles; and Rapp, a clever and irreverent kender. Together, they uncover a dark plot to resurrect a magical flying citadel. This massive fortress, fueled by dark magic and the lifeforce of captured wizards, poses a catastrophic threat to a world still reeling from war.

The antagonist, Valkyn, was once a red-robed mage like Tyros but has since forsaken his order to embrace the path of darkness, donning the black robes of Nuitari. He seeks to use the flying citadel to dominate Krynn, forging an alliance with General Marcus Cadrio, a ruthless commander of the shattered remnants of the Black Dragonarmy. Valkyn also commands legions of gargoyles and has secured the loyalty of several black dragons, further magnifying the citadel's destructive potential.

Tyros and his allies must act quickly. As they race to uncover Valkyn’s plans, they face ambushes, magical traps, and betrayals. Their journey challenges not only their strength and skill but also their beliefs about duty, sacrifice, and what it means to wield power responsibly. Each of them must confront personal demons along the way, especially Tyros, who fears he may be more like Valkyn than he’d care to admit.

The novel builds toward a climactic confrontation in the sky as the heroes launch a desperate assault on the flying fortress. The battle tests their courage, trust in one another, and their willingness to risk everything for the greater good. Ultimately, it is not only magic and strength that determine the outcome, but also the choices each character makes in the face of temptation and fear.

The Citadel blends high-stakes adventure with moral complexity, offering readers a thrilling tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the resilience of those who stand against tyranny. It enriches the Dragonlance world by showcasing how even in the aftermath of great wars, evil can rise again—and that heroes must rise with it.